Sohn’s offers Sleepy Eye trade signs

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – A private collector has consigned one of only two known Sleepy Eye trade signs that adorned the famous mill in Minnesota.

The mill and the town were named after historic chief Ish-Tak-Ha-Ba, who was nick-named Sleepy Eye due to his heavily lidded eyes. The company produced many items that are eagerly sought by collectors today including stoneware, flour sacks and more. However, there were only two large signs that were known to hang at the mill, which existed from roughly 1894 to 1921.

Sohn & Associates was fortunate enough to have sold one of these signs nearly 10 years ago as part of the Walt Howard Estate auction. The sign commanded $18,000 a decade ago. Don Sohn, president of Sohn & Associates notes “We thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to offer such a rare and important sign at that time. Now, this may truly be the last chance for a collector to purchase one of these signs.”

Other featured items in this quality 4-day auction, Aug. 19 through Aug. 22 in Evansville, Ind., include a very large collection of tobacco collectibles, a 2008 Cadillac STS estate vehicle with less than 1,200 miles, approximately 80 Hummels, Boehm porcelains, high quality fur coats and designer clothing and accessories, silver and much more.